Thursday, September 22, 2005

Leaves & Sticks

It’s what you always suspected we vegans eat, isn’t it? In celebration of the Fall Equinox today, I put together this earthy menu: maple and oak leaves made from a barley poppy seed crust and filled with roasted autumn vegetables. Alongside are pretzel sticks with peanut butter, lima beans, and apple slices. Verdict: I volunteered in the classroom today and got to sit with Little shmoo while he ate. He shared an oak leaf with me and happily ate all the rest. He ate the lima beans first. I love this kid! 5 stars.

34 comments:

Wow a kid who eats lima beans! I never could stand them. They reminded me of hospital food from when I had my tonsils taken out at age 4. What a great menu for the first day of fall. I thought that we vegans only ate salad. Just kidding.

Oh, my. I feel faint at the site of Fall leaves filled with Autumnal goodness! This is definitely my favorite lunch thus far. It was even worth yesterday's lunch-in-absentia. I would swoon if you would post the recipe for the leaves. They look delightful. Happy Fall!

Oh my, thank you all!! They did turn out cute, didn't they? I am working on writing out the recipe...

Hi, bagwasher! The more complicated dishes, like soups, calzones, and these leaves, are made the night before and then baked or reheated in the morning. That makes it easier. I wish what I made would double for dinner, too, but with the three of us chowing down there's usually only enough for lunch.

I became a vegetarian when I was between 15 and 16 years old but LOVED sprouts and Lima Beans even when I was 2!!! My mother was always amazed at that. As a kid I hated the taste of most if not all meats...blah! So, I'm not surprised I turned out this way...YAY! Tell your boy HE ROCKS!

I haven't tried lima beans since I was a kid and they came in the frozen vegetable mixture. They were awful, but I don't really blame the lima beans. How do you cook yours? I mean, are they fresh, or dried and then boiled, and is there anything on them?

The preparation of the lima beans is quite elaborate: I open the can, drain off the liquid, and put them in the dish. He can eat a whole small can by himself! I also make frozen limas and mix them with pasta and olive oil sometimes.

You're right, the limas in the frozen vegetable medley are awful. I think they are the reason that a lot of people grow up hating lima beans.

Hi, occula, good question! I soak them in all-natural citrus soda for about 10 minutes, then drain them (I save the soda for his after-school snack) and pack them either in a ziplock or covered with plastic.

Hi, anonymous! I am writing up the recipes for a cookbook, and right now they are being tested by friends and family. I will let everyone know when I have more information about it, and I will keep posting an occassional recipe. Honest, you will not be deprived forever!

HiI made the leaves tonite but the dough was tough and hard to roll out. I was expecting something a bit flakier, albeit no butter. The only difference is I used safflower oil instead on canola. Not sure what happened. Your input is appreciated.Thanks,

It sounds like you could have added a bit more water, but mostly it is the fact that you used safflower instead of canola. You could try again with canola (freezing it as instructed) or even use shortening for a flakier dough.